Introduction

Richmond is the largest city in the south-eastern US state of Virginia, being home to a wider metropolitan population of over 1.2 million people. It was established nearly 500 years ago as a settlement by English settlers and is one of the oldest cities in the country. As a result, Richmond is brimming with history throughout its many suburbs.
The city has plenty to offer anyone with an interest in the American Civil War, sport, adventure or live music. Richmond has a buzzing live music scene where pop and classical acts play in venues large and small, helped by a significant student population. The city also has plenty of places to shop till you drop, whether it’s for handicrafts or fashion.

Ideal car

Hatchback
Aside from parts of the city centre, Richmond is very car-friendly. A hatchback would be more than sufficient for getting around here and the surrounding area.

Driving in Richmond

R

Road Driving Side

15-35mph

Urban Speed Limit

55mph

Rural Speed Limit

65-70mph

Motorway Speed Limit

Important things to note

There are four interstate highways running through the city – the I-95, I-195 and I-64 going near Downtown Richmond and the I-295 on the edge of the city.
In the city centre, there are designated ‘no-parking’ areas, many of which being concentrated in the Fan District.
In the historic centre of Richmond, many of the streets are cobbled, narrow and form part of a complicated one-way system.

Highlights & Hotspots

Belle Isle is an island located in the middle of the James River, which runs through the city. Well-connected by road, it has a mountain biking trail and offers great views of the falls and river. It’s very popular with young people, especially in summer.
The American Civil War Center and Richmond National Battlefield Headquarters are as good a place as any in the state to learn about the Civil War. Re-enactments are held here regularly, while there is an impressive statue of Abraham Lincoln on the site.
One of the largest live music venues in Richmond is The National, which accommodates 1,500 people. A range of local and regional acts play here as well as international artists, while there is a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat before the gig starts.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of the largest in the state. There are a dozen themed areas in the garden, housing plants from different eras and different parts of the world. It also has areas just for children too.

Airport Information

Richmond International Airport is five miles east southeast of the city centre. It‚Äôs one of the busiest airports in the state, but only serves other destinations throughout the US, from where international flights can be caught.The airport is on Airport Drive, which goes north onto Route 60. This will take straight westwards towards the centre of Richmond, while it lies close to the I-64.